QUINOA - MOTHER OF ALL GRAINS ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa

Nice Cake ...

Jiro Dreams of Sushi - Yamamoto Film Clip

Cocktails to take away the cold feeling ...

CHIMNEY FIRE :

Use some the apple cider you made (or bought) earlier, and this time, add amaretto instead of rum. A cinnamon stick will again give it extra flavor, and to kick it up another notch, or some whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel on top.

Hot Toddy

The next time you hit the grocery store, stock up on black tea, lemons, and honey, so you have the makings of this classic cocktail on hand whenever the mood strikes. As for the liquor, you can choose between brandy, whiskey, and spiced rum. Brew tea as normal, filling a glass 3/4 of the way full. Add some honey, a shot or two of your desired liquor, a splash of lemon juice, and garnish with a lemon slice.

MULLED WINE

INGREDIENTS

2 bottles (750 ml each) dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup water

1 square (8 inches) double-thickness cheesecloth

Peel of 1 large orange

1 cinnamon stick, broken in half

8 whole cloves

1whole nutmeg

PREPARATION:

Slow Cooker Directions

1. Combine wine, corn syrup and water in slow cooker.
2. Rinse cheesecloth; squeeze out water. Wrap orange peel, cinnamon stick, cloves and nutmeg in cheesecloth. Tie bag securely with cotton string or strip of cheesecloth. Add to slow cooker. Cover; cook on HIGH 2 to 2-1/2 hours.
3. Remove spice bag and discard. Ladle wine into mugs. Garnish as desired.

Warming Drinks ...

Hot Apple Cider

Some say there is no difference between apple juice that is heated and apple cider, but the most widely-known definition of cider is that it, unlike most apple juices, is unfiltered and unsweetened. It is also seasonal with a very short shelf life.

Fun Facts:

It takes 14-16 pounds of apples to make a gallon of cider

Wassail is an ancient English drink with the main ingredient being apple cider

Hot Buttery Rum Drink enough for 8-10 mugs

• 1 c. butter


• 1 c. brown sugar


• 2 Tbs cream


• 1 tsp cinnamon


• 1/2 tsp nutmeg


• 1/4 tsp cloves


• Boiling water


• All the Rum you can handle

Hot Chocolate

Whether you buy it made or mix it yourself, hot chocolate is always a delicious and popular choice of winter beverage.

Fun Facts:

The first chocolate beverage was believed to be created by the Mayans

Hot chocolate is called “chocolademelk” in the Netherlands, where it is very popular

The hit song from the 1970s “You Sexy Thing” was by the UK band, Hot Chocolate

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint not only refreshes breath but has been said to help with nausea and vomiting because it contains menthol. Peppermint tea (also called mint tea) can be made at home by growing your own peppermint leaves and adding them to boiling water. There are also various mixes and bags available for purchase at local grocery stores.

Postum

This grain-based drink was recently discontinued, but can still be found for sale on EBay. Postum ingredients include wheat bran, wheat, malodextrin, and molasses, and boasts only 10 calories.

Fun Facts:

Postum was created by C.W. Post, founder of the Postum Cereal Company

“Postum” is a U.S. code-name for Polonium-210, which is used in nuclear weapons

Pero

Made from malted barley, rye, and chicory, Pero (manufactured by Nestle) is a non-caffeinated coffee substitute similar to Postum. Pero started in 1954 in West Germany.

Pero is available not only in the U.S., but throughout Europe (where it is known as “Caro”) and other countries, including New Zealand

It has a diamond on its logo because the word Caro is similar to the French “Carreau”, which means diamonds

10 Healthy Hot Drinks to Warm You Up ...

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Healthy-Cooking-Magazine/10-Healthy-Hot-Drinks-to-Warm-You-Up

Hot Spiced Green Tea Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)


• 4 individual green tea bags


• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot


• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel


• 4 cardamom pods, crushed


• 4 cups boiling water


• 2 tablespoons honey

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Add boiling water. Cover and steep for 5-6 minutes. Strain, discarding tea bags and spices. Stir honey into tea. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 cup equals 33 calories, trace fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, trace sodium, 9 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, trace protein. Diabetic Exchange: 1/2 starch.

Vanilla-Almond Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground coffee


• 2 tablespoons almond extract


• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Directions

• Place coffee in a large jar with tight-fitting lid. Add extracts. Cover and shake well. Store in the refrigerator. Prepare coffee as usual. Yield: 1 pound.

Nutritional Facts 3/4 cup brewed coffee equals 4 calories, trace fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrate, 0 fiber, trace protein.

Sugar-Free Russian Tea Recipe

Ingredients

• 4-1/2 teaspoons sugar-free orange drink mix


• 3-1/2 teaspoons sugar-free lemonade mix


• Artificial sweetener equivalent to 16 teaspoons sugar


• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

• Combine all ingredients; mix well. Store in an airtight container. To prepare one serving, add 1/4 teaspoon of mix to 3/4 cup of hot water; stir well. Yield: 1/4 cup mix.

Nutritional Analysis: One 3/4-cup serving equals 2 calories, trace sodium, 0 cholesterol, trace carbohydrate, trace protein, trace fat. Diabetic Exchange: Free.

Hot Raspberry-Lemonade Drink Mix Recipe

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups powdered lemonade mix with sugar


• 1 carton (1.3 ounces) raspberry soft drink mix


• 1 cup instant tea mix


• Boiling water

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the first three ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 3 months. Yield: 3 cups mix.


• To prepare one serving: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of mix in 1 cup of boiling water. Yield: 1 serving.
  
  Editor's Note: This recipe was tested with Crystal Light Raspberry Ice soft drink mix.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 teaspoon) equals 9 calories, trace fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, trace protein.

Cinnamon Mocha Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup ground coffee (not instant coffee granules)


• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon


• 1 cup 2% milk


• 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar


• 2 tablespoons baking cocoa


• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


• 4 cinnamon sticks, optional


• Whipped cream, optional

Directions

• In a coffeemaker basket, combine the coffee and ground cinnamon. Prepare 4 cups brewed coffee according to manufacturer's directions.


• Meanwhile, combine the milk, sugar, cocoa and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes or until small bubbles appear on the sides of the pan, stirring occasionally (do not boil). Pour hot milk mixture into four coffee cups, then add cinnamon-flavored coffee. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and whipped cream if desired. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 cup) equals 77 calories, 2 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 8 mg cholesterol, 35 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.

Warm Spiced Cider Punch Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups apple cider or unsweetened apple juice


• 2-1/4 cups water


• 3/4 cup orange juice concentrate


• 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg


• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger


• 3 whole cloves


• 2 cinnamon sticks


• Orange slices and additional cinnamon sticks, optional

Directions

• In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the apple cider, water, orange juice concentrate, nutmeg and ginger. Place cloves and cinnamon sticks on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with string to form a bag. Place bag in slow cooker.


• Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through. Remove and discard spice bag. Garnish with orange slices and additional cinnamon sticks if desired. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (3/4 cup) equals 108 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 13 mg sodium, 26 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 1 g protein. Diabetic Exchange: 2 fruit.

Sugar-Free Cocoa Mix Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder


• 1/2 cup fat-free powdered nondairy creamer


• 1/2 cup baking cocoa


• Sugar substitute equivalent to 1/2 cup sugar


• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

• In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients; mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to six months. Yield: 2-3/4 cups (about 8 servings).


• To prepare hot cocoa: Dissolve 1/3 cup mix in 1 cup boiling water; stir well. Yield: 1 serving.

Editor's Note: This recipe was tested with Splenda no-calorie sweetener.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (1 cup prepared hot cocoa) equals 101 calories, 1 g fat (trace saturated fat), 3 mg cholesterol, 94 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 7 g protein. Diabetic Exchange: 1 fat-free milk.

Creamy Coffee Mix Recipe

Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons instant coffee granules


• 1/4 cup powdered nondairy creamer


• 3 tablespoons sugar


• 3 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder


• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


• ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (FOR EACH BATCH):


• 1 cup boiling water


• Cinnamon sticks, optional

Directions

• In an airtight container, combine the coffee granules, creamer, sugar, milk powder and cinnamon. Store in a cool dry place for up to 2 months. Yield: 5 batches (about 1 cup total).


• To prepare coffee: Contents of mix may settle during storage. Stir mix before measuring. In a mug, dissolve about 3 tablespoons mix in boiling water; stir well. Serve with a cinnamon stick if desired. Yield: 1 serving.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (3 tablespoons) equals 78 calories, 1 g fat (trace saturated fat), 1 mg cholesterol, 33 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 2 g protein.

Spiced Chai Mix Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups nonfat dry milk powder


• 1-1/2 cups sugar


• 1 cup unsweetened instant tea


• 3/4 cup vanilla powdered nondairy creamer


• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger


• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon


• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom


• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves


• OPTIONAL GARNISH:


• Whipped cream

Directions

• In a food processor, combine all dry ingredients; cover and process until powdery. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.


• To prepare 1 serving: Dissolve 3 tablespoons of mix in 3/4 cup boiling water; stir well. Dollop with whipped cream if desired. Yield: about 5 cups mix (26 servings).

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (calculated without cream) equals 114 calories, 1 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 3 mg cholesterol, 75 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 5 g protein. Diabetic Exchange: 1-1/2 starch.

Sunburst Spiced Tea Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 medium oranges


• 1 medium lemon


• 4 cardamom pods


• 4 whole cloves


• 4 teaspoons English breakfast tea leaves or other black tea leaves


• 4 cups boiling water

Directions

• Using a citrus zester, remove peel from oranges and lemon in long narrow strips. (Save fruit for another use.) Place the peel strips, cardamom and cloves in a large bowl. With the end of a wooden spoon handle, crush mixture until aromas are released.


• Add tea leaves and boiling water. Cover and steep for 6 minutes. Strain tea, discarding peel mixture. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings.